The scientific name for the Jumping Cactus is the Cholla Cactus. It is primarily found in the Arizona and the surrounding region. It is called the Jumping Cactus because they have a tendancy to "jump" out at people when they are touched. Basically, once you touch a spine, the joint of the cactus will break off. As you move around, more and more spines get stuck in you. The section of cactus gets stuck to you because the spines are barbed, like fishhooks. These cacti are very nasty and difficult to remove.